Things You'll Need:
- A strong resume
- A stellar personality
- Patience
- Confidence
- The wherewithal to handle a little rejection
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Step 1
Put together a strong resume highlighting your past experience in entertainment. Even if you only ever worked at Blockbuster, don’t discount the fact that you were in the business of selling movies. Be sure to note the practical or analytical skills you gained from the position. If you’re interested in becoming a production assistant (where most new hires start), check Craig’s List for available volunteer work on student films to help build up your resume.
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Step 2
Check out free websites like Mandy and Entertainment Careers to search for entertainment jobs in your area.
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Step 3
When writing your cover letter, use online or textbook examples cautiously. It’s important to write a formal, professional cover letter, but equally essential (especially in entertainment) are your creativity and ability to stand out from the pile on someone’s desk. Be willing to take a risk. Talk about your passion for entertainment, but be careful not to sound desperate or schmaltzy. If you have a reel with films you’ve shot or have worked on, include those as well, but if you’ve never made a film, don’t worry, it’s not a deal breaker.
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Step 4
After you have sent out your materials, follow up with a phone call, so that an employer can put a face with the name on your resume.
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Step 5
Do research on the company before going to your interview. Be ready to discuss the projects they have done and think about what professional or creative factors draw you to the work. If you’re unsure exactly what the company does, do your research. Be yourself in the interview and don’t try to act like the person you think they want you to be. Entertainment folks can be intimidating, but they have all been in your position before.
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Step 6
Even if the company doesn’t sound like something you’d be interested in, go to the interview anyway. There is a possibility that they could pass your resume on to someone else who can offer you a more suitable position.
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Step 7
Follow up your interview with a hand written thank you card printed on interesting, original stationary. It’s just once more way to get noticed.
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Step 8
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get hired at the first company. This is the most important lesson an entertainment job can teach you--rejection is part of the business. Get used to it.
